Fans are invited to the Penguins’ “Black & Gold” Game Wednesday at 7 p.m. at CONSOL Energy Center.

Admission is free, and doors at the Trib Total Media gate will open at 6 p.m. Parking is free at CONSOL Energy Center surface lots on a first-come, first-served basis after 5 p.m.

Coach Dan Bylsma wants to create a game-like atmosphere for his players as they prepare for the start of the season. The event will include a full warm-up skate, three 20-minute periods, full intermissions and TV timeouts. Regardless of the score, the teams will play a full five-minute overtime period and also participate in a shootout.

Bylsma also may “create” several in-game situations – five-on-three, four-on-four – as part of the team’s preparation

ROOT SPORTS will televise the game live and WXDX 105.9 FM will broadcast the action on radio for fans who can’t make it to CONSOL Energy Center.

The PensGear store inside the Trib Total Media gate lobby and selected concession stands will be open on Wednesday night. (However, the discounted merchandise and free concession promotions announced by the team will not start until the home opener on Jan. 23).